Nice2stay - Meet the people behind the place La Pause

Meet the people behind the place La Pause

Tucked away in the hills near the Provençal village of Tourtour, La Pause is the creation of Belgian garden designers Bieke and Olivier, a couple whose refined eye for space, light, and nature has shaped this serene hillside retreat.

Blending warm minimalism with Mediterranean textures, the house opens up to sweeping views of the Massif des Maures—an ever-changing canvas of green. With its understated architecture, thoughtful design, and soulful connection to the land, La Pause invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with themselves, with nature, and with beauty.

Could you briefly introduce yourselves?

We are Bieke and Olivier, garden architects and the founders of Linea Hortus. Our company creates garden designs and takes care of the realization as well. We have three children: 23-year-old twin daughters, Aiko and Bente, and a 19-year-old son, Cas.

We’d love to share more about you as people with our guests. Can you tell us more?

We’re originally from Flanders and moved about 23 years ago to Wallonia, just across the language border, to Hennuyères (Braine-le-Comte). We bought a traditional square farmhouse, which we renovated almost entirely by ourselves—just like we did with our holiday home in Tourtour. The courtyard and garden were also redesigned in our signature "warm minimalist" style.

We’re active people, both socially and athletically. We enjoy being part of service clubs and are very involved in sports, especially through our triathlon club. We’ve tackled many challenges over the years, including mountain biking and running in Morocco, a marathon on Mont Blanc, and several triathlons.

Our children share that adventurous spirit—they grew up in a self-employed family and spend their free time in scouting and various sports.

When and how did this property come into your lives, and what motivated you to make it part of your life?

A few years ago, we fell in love with the Var region, and especially with Tourtour. We spent a long time looking for the perfect house—by that we mean one in the perfect location, with beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.

About three years ago, we almost bought a house we thought was ideal, but the owner ultimately decided not to sell. In hindsight, we’re glad he didn’t, because we found something even better.
We purchased a plot of over 4 hectares with two houses on it. From the beginning, we intended to sell one of them, but choosing which one was difficult as both had their charms and amazing views.
Now, the renovation is complete, choices have been made—and by the way, the other house is for sale ;-)

Can you tell us more about the renovation and interior design process?

We handled almost everything ourselves—from the design to the realization, both the house and the garden. Due to the nature of the renovations, we did work with an architect, but based entirely on our own plans.

Creativity is a key element in our work, whether we’re designing a garden or a home. Thankfully, we could also rely on the expertise of our family: our niece Sophie is an interior architect, our brother-in-law Koen is a contractor (his technical expertise was essential), and our son Cas studied wood techniques in high school. For his final project, he designed and built the kitchen. He’s incredibly proud of the result!
It was a challenging but beautiful learning experience. By combining everyone’s creativity and knowledge, we created something we’re truly proud of.

What makes your property especially dear to you? Are there any meaningful memories or moments tied to it?

The entire process—from our first visit to today, now that everything is finished—feels very special to us.
To make it all happen, Olivier stayed on-site for two periods of about six months. Meanwhile, I (Bieke) stayed in Belgium to manage our business and family. I would travel for site visits now and then, and seeing the progress each time was truly rewarding.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your home?

It reflects the same style as our gardens: "warm minimalist." That means a minimalist design enriched with warm materials to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Architecturally, the house is contemporary with Provençal touches. The original structure has been preserved and finished with a soft beige render. Two newly added volumes give the house its unique character. They’re clad in natural stone and blend beautifully into the landscape.

What’s your favorite part of the property and why?

That’s a tough choice! From the outside, we especially love the view of the two new volumes. The passage between them draws you naturally toward the patio and entrance—it really invites you in.

What makes the location unique and special?

Without a doubt, the view! From nearly every room and every part of the garden, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly features you’re proud of?

Yes! We preserved the original swimming pool—not for swimming, but as a reservoir to collect rainwater from the roof. That water is used to irrigate the garden.

What inspired you to rent out your property to guests?

Since we don’t live here permanently, it seemed like a good idea to open the home for rental and generate some income.

Can you describe the experience guests can expect during their stay?

Everything you need for a great vacation is here—whether you’re looking for peace and privacy, an active holiday, or a bit of both.
You’ll stay in a home that blends contemporary architecture with Provençal touches, surrounded by a Mediterranean garden and lush greenery.

In what ways does your property stand out from others? What makes it an unforgettable experience for guests?

The unique setting and beautiful architecture! Nestled among olive groves and oak woodlands, the house offers 180° views of the surrounding nature and the Massif des Maures. It’s the perfect holiday spot for anyone who loves thoughtful design and stunning views.

What’s the nicest compliment you’ve received so far?

We’ve only just opened our rental, so we haven’t had any guests yet. But when the mayor of Tourtour came by, even he was amazed—he absolutely loved the house and the spectacular view!

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay?

We hope guests will enjoy this place as much as we do—again and again. It’s really about the whole package!

Do you have any recommendations for guests to enjoy their stay to the fullest?

Great dining spots:
In Tourtour: Bar des Ormaux, La Place, La Table, La Petite Auberge, La Bastide de Tourtour
In Lorgues (for something more upscale):

Bruno: known for truffle dishes
Le Jardin de Benjamin: at the Château de Berne wine estate—great for food, walking, and mountain biking. There’s also “Le Bistrot” for a more casual meal.

Fun for kids (and adventurous parents):

Vidauban: Drop-In Dracénie Water Jump Park
Lorgues: L’Arnaude Aventures (adventure park)—and if that’s too intense, parents can enjoy a wine tasting at the nearby Château Arnaude.

Nature & adventure:
The Gorges du Verdon: Canyoning, hiking, visiting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane, water sports and swimming in Lake Sainte-Croix. The Moustiers-Sainte-Marie website offers lots of tips.

Cultural highlights:

Maison de la Truffe (Aups)
Abbaye de Thoronet